Arctic Climate Feedback Loops: Heat, Melting Ice and Fires

The Arctic is being ravaged by a trifecta of three interrelated phenomenon that are all connected by climate change. Global warming is contributing to more heat waves. Hotter average temperatures in the Arctic are also melting the ice and causing wildfires.

These three phenomenon are interacting synergistically to amplify climate changes. These interrelationships can also be described as climate feedback loops, meaning they are vicious cycles that accelerate warming. Various permutations of feedback loops can be found between these three phenomenon.

Beaches are Facing Environmental and Climate Threats

Beaches are a favorite summertime destination but they are suffering from environmental degradation and climate change. Our coastal and inland beaches are facing some very serious problems due to overpopulation, obsolete sewage systems, and erosion associated with climate related sea level rise. These impacts on coastal ecosystems is documented in a 2014 report titled Coastal Zone Development and Ecosystems.

The growth of coastal populations has put a profound strain on aging infrastructure resulting in polluted beaches and waterways. Each year, more than 1.2 million people move to the coast. Beaches are suffer from erosion due to extreme weather and rising sea levels. This includes inland beaches like those along the shores of the Great Lakes.